Do you think pro Maks Chmerkovskiy misses Dancing With The Stars? Wow, I’m shocked (but, I guess I shouldn’t be)at his answer…which is a “no”. 🙁 In a new interview with the NY Press, he tells them why. Maks also tells them if he was guaranteed a winner and a trophy, he’s not sure he would do it. More in detail below….

Do you miss Dancing with the Stars?
No.

Why not?
Because I think I’ve done it long enough. I think there’s nothing there for me to prove. I’m at the point where I need to set up my future. And if I don’t do it now by cutting the cord and trying to reinvent myself, I may never be able to after this comes to an end, which at one point it will. Or I’ll get old and won’t be able to dance. And at that time I want to be able to fall back on something that I’ve built. I want an extended career in this industry just because I can, unless someone tells me that I can’t. That’s why we’re trying my hand in acting. I’m curious to see how that’s going to work. It’s fascinating to study and learn a new skill.

I saw you on All My Children.
I hope you didn’t. But the point is that I’m not missing Dancing with the Stars because I think it’s unnatural for me to miss it. I’ve been there for 13 seasons. It’s been eight years. How long can I do this thing and miss it? If I did it once and never again, I’d miss it.

So will you go back to DWTS one day?
If they guarantee me a winner and the trophy’s mine, I’m going to look at it and go, “I don’t know if I have it in me to stay with somebody for three months and be into it the way I’m supposed to be.” And I don’t want to be unfair and jeopardize someone else’s chances.

Your brother Val also dances on the show. What’s it like being an older brother?
It’s a lot of responsibility, but I went from him being my student first. He was my best pupil. And it’s not like I have to say it. He was never a teacher’s pet. He was in his family-owned studio and never jumped out and was always part of the class. The problem was coming home; I just wanted a brother, and he was staying a pupil. So we had a bit of a transitional period maybe four or five years ago, and since then, we’re just best friends.

To read the full interview which includes questions on Forever tango and Karina Smirnoff, visit the NY Press. Thanks to @DWTSgossip for the find.

My thoughts: Sad. I kind of thought (and hoped too) we’d see Maks back for Dancing With The Stars Season 17, but, now I have to wonder? Also, I’m not sure I want him back now if he doesn’t miss it or have the heart. Maybe he’s destined for other things.

Let’s see what Heidi thinks….

Heidi: I think that if that’s how he feels, he better not be on the show. If he’s on the show now, he’s just admitted that he doesn’t have it in him. And good for him if he’s tired of doing it and wants to do something else – the alternative is being like Cheryl. Or possibly Mark. Both seem like they’ve moved on in their hearts but don’t want to quit. But part of me is afraid this is a negotiating tactic on Maks’ part. I hope not. But in any case, good luck to him.

I'm a fashion and music fan....and I have always loved dancing too of any kind. Dancing With The Stars seems to have this way of bringing all of those things together. One of my favorite dancing quotes at the moment: "No matter what, nobody can take away the dance you've already had...." ~Gleb Savchenko . For fun music and dance mixes, visit WilUnleashed Soundcloud. To view my photography site, see Lisa Kay Photography.

Ummm yeah he’ll be back IMO . I’m honestly scratching my head as to what else he’s gonna do , he’s not gonna be on Broadway much longer , and offers aren’t exactly lining up at his door :/ wasn’t he supposedly “too busy” for S16, but was instantly available when called for Lens challenge ?? Dude loves attention too much to quit just my opinion

Laughed a little at his comment about OTHER pros on the show getting outside help for their routines… I seem to remember Maks bringing in someone to help choreograph his freestyle with Erin. Guess he forgot about that…

I think he’s right about it being time to move on. Can’t see him being a successful actor, tho. Maybe just the dance studio business. His comments sound a bit like sour grapes to me. Wonder if he’s been told that “we’re sick of your shenanigans and you won’t be back.” After these comments it would be hard to come back. Who would want him for a partner if they knew he wasn’t in 100%.

Maks always just says what his crazy heart is telling him at the moment. More than likely it would be different 5 minutes later. Then again, maybe he already knows he won’t be asked back this season and this is his new cover story.

I think Maks might have just burned a bridge. I wish him luck, only his exit could have been a more tactful/graceful/appreciative. Would many of us know who Maks was without DWTS ? I can’t imagine that TPTB told him they didn’t want him back ever – he’s too popular with many viewers and provides the drama they so crave.

If Maks is truly ready to move on, best of luck to him; and I mean that sincerely. Both he and the show have benefitted from their long association, but I think now might be a good time to end the relationship. He’s a very talented guy with the potential to be successful at a number of different ventures.

So I hope he stands by what he said and doesn’t get talked into doing another season where he ends up mailing it in like Cheryl does and Mark has occasionally done.

Maks wasn’t ever my tippy top favorite, but there were seasons that I really did like. I’m actually a little disappointed he won’t be back, despite his shenanagins. But, if he doesn’t want to be in it 100%, he’d be better off not on the show. And if he’s going to be guarenteed a win, I don’t want to see him. I genuinely do wish him the best of luck on what is in his future.

If he doesn’t miss it and feels the need to move on, then go. Having Val back is bad enough, we don’t need both of them. It wouldn’t be fair to his partner since he’s practically admitted that his heart wouldn’t be in it. And who would want him now as a partner knowing that? Give Henry or Sasha his spot. They both deserve the chance.

I truly feel he hasn’t been at 100% for several seasons now. I think all this will he or won’t he be back is simply an attention getter for him as well as the show. I hope the producers stick to their guns and keep him off the show. I would much rather watch Derek act with class and showcase his talents and creativity, than go for the cheap controversies Maks is known for creating.